I just used this video to help tell my mom that I wanted to move to Korea to teach. Thank you so much for helping me to vocalize the things that I could not say.
Mel on the Move I also love korea an I'm a freshman in high school I was thinking that I wanted to be a TV host in korea that it would be easy living an easy job but I also want to be a teacher I wanna be a teacher more than a host so I wanted to ask how I can go through a good college that can help me to go to Korea an do that job a teacher job like what's the best way to go to Korea an be a teacher what's the cheapest way to get there an do that
10 tips for people who wants to move to korea: 1. Korea is a very rich land so remeber that you might want to have around 5000 bux with you 2. SAVE MONEY, Saving money is the best opition. Don't buy those jeans or say NO to your friends when they ask you to come and watch a movie with them. Savning money is the best when it comes to travle instead of taking a loan. 3. Remeber that you have to RENT a apartment/house there, That cost also. Me as a 15 years old girl is already saving up money, I'm summer working and baby sitting my neighbores children and also I'm getting paid from my school for good grades (Sweden is amazing ;] ) 4. Moving there. How to persuade your parents to make you go there, here some 10 tips. (1) Show them all about how much you learned. (2) Tell them why you want to move there, OPS THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT SAY "hey mom and dad... I want to move to korea because there's hot guys and Kpop there." "Hey mom... korea has fast wifi...." Things YOU SHOULD SAY: "hey mom and dad, I want to move to korea because I want to learn about their culture and their language." "Korea is one of the most rated land to have good paid when it comes to be a english teacher, People even get their rent paied for working as a english teacher." 5. Moving there cost, The trip so girl/boy/Attack helicopter. You have to save aloooot of money my dear. 6. When you're in korea, Remeber you're a foreigner, you might get some stares around the street and get smack talked because you look different. BUT also remeber... If you might not be the slimmest person on earth you would also remaind as "fat" in korea. people in korea has a very large ego and wants to look the best. So I would suggest you to do that to :] (Not that you're fat or anything, Just get into the style or something :]] I dont want people hurt ) 7. Speaking Korean, Remeber that Korean has it very difficult to speak English, So people out there, PLEASE... Learn korean! buy books or even take classes!¨ 8. Eating: Remeber that eating there might be very huge meals because many meals there are made for 2 people, So people if you like to eat this is the right place. 9. Going out late: Dont be worry to going out late, Korea is one of the safest land on earth, People here are active 24/7 so if you want to go and sing then do it, SING your heart out. 10. When you're moving to korea, Don't bring your whole room. It takes place on the suitcase and you can buy things in korea. It's not like "SHIT MY ADIDAS SHOOOES :(" Well yes girl.. You can buy that in Korea. Thanks for taking your time reading all this shit trough
Actually, Korean isn't needed. As a Korean. From korea, you honestly don't need it, apartments can rage anywhere from lowest to 300 dollars in U.S cash. We are aware that foreigners come by alot. No need for us to stare, especially if you're from Seoul area.
thanks for the tips! cost of education and healthcare in korea is super cheap compared to us (and degrees usually transfer). that alone will save americans tens of thousands of dollars. that said, education and healthcare are affordable in most countries in the world, so that wouldn't be as big a plus for non-americans.
lol man.. your smile and attitude has me crushing for real! Thanks again for the information you keep putting out. I'm looking forward to getting my TEFL after I graduate next month with my Bachelors degree.
You should make a funny video comparing how Korea is like vs Korean dramas For example, lots of medical Korean Dramas have ATTRACTIVE doctors, so like, compare what it's like. I realize you probably don't watch Korean dramas, but you may not have to..?
My sister taught English in Saudi Arabia (she's American) and they have the same benefits and a little more too. They pay for your tickets, electricity bills, water bills, housing, furniture, medical bills, etc. When you go to the doctor's or the hospital all your prescriptions are paid for by the government. You literally just pay for groceries, a car (some companies give their employees cars as well), clothes etc. I'm pretty sure there's other countries that do the same not just SK and KSA.
honestly this all makes me want to move to korea so badly after university but the only thing stopping me is that, most people that make videos about living there and teaching there are from english speaking countries, which I'm not (from sweden) so it makes me wonder if it'll be harder for me to basically teach there and etc...not that I have hard times with english since it always been my favorite subject and etc but it still feels like it will be harder for me basically hahaha, but loved the video!
there are plenty of jobs in other english-speaking fields, so don't give up! there are lots of transcription, marketing, acting, translation, or tour guide jobs! those fields don't care quite as much about the accent. only problem is the benefits aren't as good, and the visas are a bit harder to get.
blindgumby This is very true and it doesn't stop you from becoming a private tutor either. If itwas really your desire to teach you could do another job and be a private tutor on the side
Sauni Bledsoe I think you should stay also. I know of a few popular companies who have a rule that if you've been to Korea / Japan for in the past 3/4 years before they won't accept you.
I want to live there as well. For as long as i can remember i've had a huge interest in pretty much all things korean but i have 2 issues. #1 although i wouldn't mind teaching, i don't have the credentials but even if i did it wouldn't be something i wanted to do long term & it seems as if that's what a lot of "americans" go there for so i don't have a clue what i would be able to do as far as a career. #2 im PETRIFIED of flying so i said to myself if i'm ever able to take the 14+ hr long plane ride & made it there alive, im staying there foreva (cardi b voice lol). No but seriously. Lord willing maybe it will happen one day. As for you, like everyone already said, your best bet would be to continue your studies here but good luck to you on your future endeavors. I hope you're able to make your dreams come true.👌👌
Hadassah Talk to Me in Korean is the one I used and I found it really useful they also have a website with textbooks. I also suggest an app called lingodeer which I used to learn Hangul.
i actually want to move to korea but bot he a teacher. im very much into culinary arts. i just turned 20 today and hopefully at 24 ill be on the plane there. Also America not looking like the place to be lately
SapphireNinja98 no but i'm learning it and i know some youtubeurs how live there and they all say " it's wonderful " but do whatever YOU want 🙆( sorry for my english 👐)
Thanks for the video. I'm a soon to be high school senior that has no idea what to do with my life and I really feel like I could do this after college.
I think it's time for me to spread my wings ☺☺ I am inspired, I am also a teacher specifically Special Education Teacher. I am 23 years old but still don't know what to do with my life. Watching your video really inspires me, like i want to fly to Korea right now. Hahaha. Also hearing those benefits ☺☺
Well hello fellow non native English speakers that will probably never get to make those experiences. Let's watch all of the English natives fly to Korea and have fun while we have to work our asses off to even get to stay there for a few weeks. The system is incredibly stupid; they are fine with a native English speaker with a BA in whatever subject, but non native English speakers with a MA in English aren't good enough. I'm sure your video is very helpful and motivating for many people but unfortunately I'm living in Germany so this reminds me of what I am missing by being born in a non English speaking country. It's almost impossible for us Germans to find a job in Korea especially as a German teacher since it's a language that no one asks for over there. So I guess the easiest way is just to marry a Korean but it's beyond shitty to do that just to get a visa. Or first try to become the citizen of an English speaking country and then applying for a teaching job in Korea. But is it really worth giving up your citizenship for that? It's sad, really.
I agree. I met English teachers (NES) in Thailand that just came over because it was easy for them to get a job and they were more interested in going out. Most of them didn't try to learn the language or cared much about the culture. I am not saying that everyone is like that but i think it would be better to employ people that know how to teach, know how to adapt to a different culture and yes that are also able to speak English well rather than to employ people only because they were born in an English speaking country and managed to get any kind of degree. What also bothers me is the fact that there are many NES that only speak one language and yet their profession is languages. You'll never be able to truly teach a language if you yourself never suceeded learning a language to a certain degree, you will lack the understanding. And yes there are many NES that learn new languages but unfortunately many dont.. which is fine if you don't decide to work in that field.
Your words just encouraged me more! I'm currently taking my TEFL course. I'm feeling a little anxious because I just want to leave already hahaha. I'm 27 and feel like a bird without wings at my job :(. I'm trying really hard to apply and do all the necessary paperwork before the middle of next year so I can (hopefully) get accepted to start in fall Also, I'm going sightseeing for 2 weeks in May! yahuuu~
I'll be leaving on 4/28 and will stay there until 5/16 :). I'm also hoping to start teaching by the end of 2017..worst case scenario, early 2018. What city will be you staying in?
We're about the same age! I'll be in Seoul. I have a friend who is in the Korean military, so I'll be using him as a partial guide for a day or two. I haven't even done my TEFL yet. I'm planning to around the start of next year. I'd like to start by fall 2017, but it's looking like I might have to wait until whatever is open during 2018. I don't mind that, but I'd like to get in as early as possible! Ah, and I'm visiting May 5th-14th for my birthday/sightseeing/friend visiting. I'd totally be up for meeting up if you're interested. Message me for my e-mail!
Wow! what a coincidence that we'll be there around the same time!! yes, I wouldn't mind meeting up with you :)..that would be awesome!! I'll be alone the majority of the time but will try hanging out with 2 friends over there.
this literally sounds like heaven for me... it's my dream to be able to travel after college but i know i'll need a way to make money and all that and this honesty sounds perfect... thank you for making this video
am hoping to visit Korea with my friend when we're 21 (18 now) and afterwards hoping to move there You know if I feel comfortable enough leaving my family....lol that's the hardest part.
I'm 20 years old and I have been planning to live in Korea for the longest time and I'm truly determined to move there. I was at a point in my life where I felt the degree I was working for wasn't going to get me anywhere. So it popped up in my head that I should change my major to business administration. But my number one question is...are you required to have a complete 4 year of study or just a bachelor degree??? Because I did most of my basics and when I transfer from my college to uni I would be considered a junior but I will be finishing more quickly. So does it matter if I have bachelors or do I have to do 4 years of it again?
I've always wanted to move to Korea ever since I found out about their culture and after seeing this video it makes want to graduate from college sooner and move there
I love the video, but it is very difficult for someone who isn't born in an English spreaking country to become an English teacher in South-Korea or Japan. As someone who is studying to be one myself, my professors always tell me that it is something I probably should forget about. Do you know any teachers from non-English speaking countries?
No I don't unfortunately but I can only speak in regards to the EPIK program. I'd like to say if there is a will, there is a way but definitely do some research to know for sure!
I really really REALLY want to go there , either I'll study college there or after college I'll teach there , I wish from the bottom of my heart I can go there one day , hopefully soon XD
looks like im moving to Korea!!!.....wait!!! over your left shoulder!!!.........that's the size of doorways????........welp, im staying here!.....fat boy issues strong.
I am a kindergarten teacher in Norway,I get 4250 dollars before tax. After tax 2964 dollars. . we have almost the same benefits except the studio. But cost of living is very high in Oslo.
Out all the videos I've seen about living and teaching in South Korea, yours was the most informative and beneficial to me considering going that path. Thank you! I've also subscribed to your page. Looking forward to more content. :)
Excellent video ! I think that you will go far in life as you have a great attitude and are very articulate. I am going to pass your video on to all of my younger cousins. BTW, I used to live in Korea in my youth as a Peace Corps Volunteer and there were very few African-Americans around at that time. I got a lot of stares and a few marriage proposals (haha). I was the only one living in my town and perhaps the entire province. My overall experience was positive. This was the late 1960's. Keep up the good work! I am proud of you.
Thank you so much for your kind words! How was your Peace Corps experience?! I can only imagine how even LESS exposed Koreans were to African Americans back then!
I am moving to Korea in 4 months and your video just made me excited all over again! I am working on Visa paperwork now so that isnt too fun BUT I can't wait to be there for the same reasons you shared.
Melody thank you so much for making this video my mom was yelling at me when I told her I wanted to go to Korea. I was able to calm her down enough with some basic info, and then sent her your video. After she called me back telling me how much of a good idea it was now that she understands more, i think one of the keys was that EPIK is a gov't program. Thanks again!
Hey Melody! i loved your video and i got some Qs. I'm from Panama and i'm getting a B.A in English as a second language, also I'm taking korean classes at my university. I was wondering if you know if i can get in the EPIK program or if you know any other program that will allow me to teach Spanish in Korea?
You'll have to do some research or contact a recruiter maybe. I'm not sure at all. I haven't met any Korean students taking Spanish - usually it is English and Chinese.
New sub in your channel. I really like the way you express yourself and I think you look quite genuine :) I would love to travel to Korea sometime I find Asia really interesting :) xx
Yup! Great! Nice to hear you're doing so well. Great you're doing things while you're young. As for the knees, a chiropractor & exercising might help. Peace!
oh no, I checked the website and they only allow people from the US, UK, Ireland,.. well, english speaking countries. I am from Austria, but I am soon gonna get my C2 certificate in english.. are they gonna let something like this pass? or are there other "companies" like EPIK? :(
I'm watching this in 2017, so yeah. Anyways, I feel so encouraged. So, I'm thinking to go to Korea as well and teach. But you know, many things won't allow me to do so. I stopped school, im a 3rd yr. undergrad in secondary education major in english. *sighs* I envy you
I'm from Denmark and heard it's nearly impossible to get a job in Korea, if you are not born as a native English speaker. My dream is to move to Korea later on, but I am not sure what to do, since it seems impossible. Do you have any advice? I'm currently studying "Academy Profession Degree Programme in Service, Hospitality and Tourism Management" and I took 1 gap year in Korea where I did volunteer work as an English teacher. I'm willing to do almost anything to move to Korea. Do you know what my best options are, as a non-native English speaker? Or would you consider it as impossible? :-(
I want to move to Korea after University (I am still in the last year of high school😭). And I don't know what I really need to do. I tried to search about what jobs they are looking for, but sadly, I am from Romania, so teaching is excluded. And I am not too much in jobs which are requiring math skills. I am very lost, and I don't even know where I would stay😂. I think in University, I will make a short trip there to figure out, or maybe something will change. At least, I hope so...😅
, Hi, I loved this video and found it very interesting. I just turned 20 and I wanna move to Korea. I be always been Intrigued with getting a seller understanding of this culture. I honestly don’t know where to start bc of money and me making the first move, I’m honestly not happy here in the US and I honestly feel like going to Korea is something I NEED to do😭😭😭😭
Yes girl this was very informative..i swear if i didn't have kids i would move there. I do plan to visit with my sister this year, can't wait for that.
I enjoyed the video BUT I particularly enjoyed the abuse-free comments. Thank you Mel for deleting the scumbags who plague any positive videos African Americans put on RU-vid. It makes me aways scroll with a braced stomach, but now I know I won't have to on your videos, your comments are going to be safe. I'm a Brit btw and wishing you well.
Here I am going back to school even though i dont want to but i cant stomach the work field ...Watched so many videos but unfortunately i dont qualify for a work visa i believe since im from the caribbean... whelp
Hi Melody! Another UCF Alumni 2014 ' Go Knights!' I have the opportunity to move to Korea at the end of the year and found this video helpful. I'm 25 as well and want to know what the night life was like :D
What about nursing opportunities for black people in Korea (I'm a Registered Nurse) ? Or if I'd want to intern or something at a fashion company but didn't study fashion ( passion is fashion designing but unfortunately I didn't go to school for it but want to hone my skills and go further with it) ? And did you have to learn the language before going? Thanks for your help 😊
This was an amazing POV from another perspective. I'll be serving my 3rd tour in the next few months there. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. I'm definitely a follower now!😎✌
Hii, Im currently a first semester Senior at my university and my major is Secondary Education-English as my focus. So Id have my license to be a 7th-12th grade english teacher here in the US. Does that mean I will not need a TEFL? Your video has me 98% sure I want to come on down to Korea and teach forsure. I reside in Vegas and can not see myself teaching here at all when I graduate in 2018 lol NV is ranked #50 in education its so pathetic girl lol
I knew I wanted to live overseas but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and where. This is helping me so much! I'm okay with getting a bachelors in some kind of subject I like and I wouldn't mind teaching. I do have a question about the language barrier... you didn't really touch base on the language. Is it really hard to teach people that speak another language or would you suggest learning the language before moving?? Thank you!
so I'm obsessed with everything Korean but I was frustrated because I couldn't find a way to further explore my curiosities apart from drama's and music but you gave me whole different direction like I'm so blessed because I found this channel like now I feel like I can further explore my love
I am planning on moving to Seoul, South Korea some time next year or 2023. I want a change of pace. I want something different. This video is giving me so much inspiration
I teach in Korea I am 22. But the school doesn’t pay me because I don’t have a bachelors degree. I only work Monday and Friday and I live out in a farm country so there is not a lot to do or see. I work at a Christian school and it is very conservative. No jeans, collared shirt, no facial piercings, no outrageously dyed hair. You have to take in mind that Korea is a very conservative country. I have one small nose stud but some people look at me like I have multiple facial piercings. I do get free rent and their school has a cafeteria Monday to Friday but if you don’t like the food it can become costly if you have to buy your own and don’t get paid like me. A lot of Koreans are spontaneous and won’t tell you things straight up like they didn’t tell me I wouldn’t be getting paid until I moved here so be smart and really research
My English is good but I am an African so not a native speaker is one reason I think will disqualify me.of course I have not tried looking for jobs in Korean schools but I am sure China would only employ natives.i would so like to have your kind of job let me know if there's a way...if it's not a bother love your videos
How about those people who can speak English but your English (grammar, vocabulary) is not as good as native speakers? Do you think there’s a chance to still be a teacher?
those reasons were also my reasons why I want to move to Korea ... but I wonder if I can still teach English in Korea bc I ever read before if you aren't a native English speakers, so you can't teach English in Korea, while I'm actually an English teacher here in my country~
Hi Mel, I loved your video because it gives me hope for the future. I wish to have the same experience as you. But I was wondering about the language skills you need. I am French but I speak a fluent English. Would I be able to teach French there or is it only English ? I know the program is in English but do you know any other programs for French ? Do you need to speak Korean to go ? Thank you for this video it is great ! 😘
How do you cope with being alone ? Like moving there and not having any friends (and not knowing korean)? And also did you have a car? How did you transport yourself ?
When you say travel, do you mean that you have the opportunity to travel outside of Korea as well? Or do you just mean in Korea. Because I'd like to explore different places in Asia, so I just wanted to know how you were able to do that
I am graduating in May 2018 and this video is describing how I am feeling. I want to take my TEFL courses to get it out of the way. What company did you go through to get started?
Can someone please tell me any other jobs in korea for foreigners because I'm from south asia and for EPIC program i think they only choose English speaking country nad native English speaker which i'm not so is there any chances of other job i have some acting experience but I'm brown so i don't it's gonna help
thank you sooo much for say how much many you got and how much you spent , that's makes a huge different for deciding moving to korea or not , people on RU-vid don't usually give examples about how much money _don't know why_ but any way thanks
Hello, I was wondering if my first language needs to be English for me to teach in Korea? Thank you, your videos really inspire me to make a change in my life and try something new!
Be my guidance girl.... I am in college and don't know what major I want to go into. I really want to move to Korea sometime in my life and have though of being a English teacher there but I'm not sure. Just let me come stay with you for like 1-2 weeks and take me touring and let me just shadow you. I need some hands on motivation.
My wife and I are thinking of trying to join the EPIK program but we will have a baby. She is half Korean and is fluent in Korean as well so that'll be cool and our baby is half Korean as well so hopefully it works out
I love your videos, l wish l was in my twenties, or thirties. I am a former French Teacher from Canada, and l am in my fifties really disatisfied with my life at the moment, but l do not feel the desire to teach anymore. I am wondering if there are other opportunities in South Korea beside teaching English. I also cannot handle big cities, l come to a point in my life where l am longing for a strong, warm, loving, and healthy community in which each person uplifting one another. Unfortunately, this concept is pretty obsolete in North America, l think it would be very important for me to speak the local language so l can communicate with the locals.
Hi I'm a college first year student and I'm so confused son what I want to do but I'm certain that I don't want a profession that makes me feel tight. Your experience is really helpful
I'm actually willing to do an exchange program at my university, but my parents are very restrictive and won't allow me to go. I can already read Korean which is like good I guess, but I want to be able to understand the Korean culture. There is no better place to learn a language than to engulf yourself into their culture.
I've been thinking of teaching there or at least spending a year living in South Korea. But I'm from Germany and all the schools only want English native speaker. So for me it's not an option.
I have decided that I was going to move to South Korea when I was older, but the way you explain it, its sound amazing and cool! It makes me want to move sooner, but Im only 14, so I have to wait a while.
Hey, thanks for your videos they are very informative, i wanted to know about teaching experience. So I was volunteering at a school for an entire year in 2016 before going to begin my studies, can i state that as 1 year teaching experience in my application although i was not on any contract with the school i taught at
I am planning on going to Korea using the EPIK program but I'm also thinking on staying after it's done and maybe seeing if it's possible to renew it or anything to continue. I'm 17 and a senior in high school and my teacher told me about the program after I told her about my interest in teaching and Korea. Do you know if they would let me continue with the program after a year if I wanted to?
I saw this video of an american-korean born guy and his experience as a teacher in korea is the exact opposite of you. According to him, if you are a foreigner and want to teach in korea you have to look the package they want. He emphasized that you have to look very foreigner. For him, he was discriminated in his own country as a half-korean teaching in a school. He said the employer made a mistake of hiring him because he is not foreigner enough.
I will begin my ESL Korea career in January! I was an exchange student in Korea last year. You are right that life in Asia can be frustrating sometimes. However, I will remember to keep in mind, "I am getting paid a lot of money and a free apartment to go through this."
Mel! I can't tell you how wonderful it was to find this video. In my research trying to decide if ESL teaching is right for me, I've found you and your channel. I'm in the exact same position you were in years ago after graduating college and this video has motivated me to take the leap and take the next steps to become an English teacher! I can't wait to get my TEFL certification and start this new chapter in my life!
